Lesson Activities and Sequence
The suggested sequence starts by introducing students to the concept of microgravity then the distinction between mass and weight, and ends with a method of determining mass in the microgravity environment.

Falling Weight Apparatus
Students use a simple apparatus to explore the difference between gravity and microgravity.Keywords: gravity, weight, mass, center of mass, balance

Mass vs. Weight
Students perform a series of experiments and compare their results to those of astronauts on the International Space Station. Stretching mass, air-powered mass and accelerating mass are the most relevant activities to this lesson.Keywords: gravity, mass, weight, balance, inertia

Pendulums
Students explore the effect of mass and string length on the period of a pendulum.Keywords: gravity, mass, pendulum, friction, motion

Inertial Balance
Students calibrate an inertial balance and then use it to determine an unknown mass.Keywords: gravity, balance, inertia, mass, weight